Central Florida Knights Season Preview

George O’Leary enters his eighth season with a record of 45-44 and four bowl appearances.  He took over a program that was abysmal in 2004 as they went winless at 0-11!

UCF then went 8-5 before going back and forth between inconsistent and consistent with 4-8 and 10-4 seasons. Last year’s 11-3 season truly was magical. They upset the once mighty Georgia Bulldogs in the Liberty Bowl 10-6. 

True freshman Jeff Godfrey (5’11, 182) filled in admirably when he was called upon against North Carolina State in the second game of the season. Trailing 28-7 in the second half, he drove his team down the field for two touchdown drives in the loss.

Loaded Again in the Backfield

Godfrey went on to become the C-USA Freshmen Player of the Year.  He had a 13-8 ratio along with 2,159 yards. He also ran for 566 yards and 10 TDs.

Latavious Murray (6’3, 225 Junior) ran for 637 and 11 TDs. Backup RB Ronnie Weaver gashed the opposition for 890 yards and 11 TDs.

That is correct, their top three rushers all ran for over 500 yards and had 10+ TDs.  The OL has three back and though it will take a step back from last year I expect the numbers to be similar to last season with the schedule being fairly weak overall.

The receiving core has been talked as if it is the one weak link on offense because of unproven, inexperienced players.

AJ Guyton (5’11, 198 Senior) and Quincy McDuffie (5’10, 175 Junior) are the returning targets from a season ago and though they were just the fourth and fifth best pass catchers, they have the talent and speed to stretch the field.

The passing offense was just 87th averaging 186 yards per game, but their rushing offense was as godly good—ranking 26th by amassing 187 yards per game. 

Fastest Defense in C-USA?

The defensive front four was rock solid with defensive end Bruce Miller, but he is now gone and the defensive line is certainly going to take a step back. The linebacking core must step up and Josh Linam is the number two returning tackler.

The front seven was dominant last season, only allowing 108 yards per game which ranked eighth in the country. The back four was also sensational a year ago ranking 41st and allowing 207 yards per game.

Josh Robinson is the best corner in the conference and is a top ten corner in the country! Sensational speed with fluid hips is something Robinson possesses and his teammate at free safety Kemal Ishmael (#1 tackler with 93) is quite the talent as well.

Drama's Forecast

The schedule is easy after the month of September. However, that first month could cost the Knights a crack at the C-USA Title if they get frustrated against Boston College and BYU. They must travel to Provo, but do get BC at home.

BC’s defense is very good and is stout up front, so it will be interesting to see if Godfrey develops and improves in the passing game. If Godfrey struggles out of the gates by any means, it will be very costly come C-USA play against SMU, Southern Miss, and Tulsa.

I do not think this squad can match their 11 win total from a season ago, but they can still win nine games and reach another bowl game.

Predicted Finish: 9-4, 6-2

Predicted Bowl: Armed Forces Bowl

Predicted order of finish in C-USA: Second in East, Fourth in C-USA